AP Environmental Science 1 test

Test is 9/29/2026

Independent variable 

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to test for changes in the dependent variable.

Dependent variable 

The variable the is affected by the change.

Controlled variable 

A factor that is intentionally kept constant and unchanged throughout an experiment to prevent outside influence and ensure that any change in the dependent variable is caused only by the independent variable

Experimental Group 

the set of participants or subjects in a research study that receives the specific treatment, intervention, or manipulated variable being tested

Control Group 

standard for comparison in an experiment

What is sustainability? 

Humans managing resources so that current AND future needs are met. Humans can live to their greatest potential now and later.

What are the three pillars of sustainability? Provide examples of each.  

Environment, Social, Economic

Environment: Replacing with renewable energy

Social: Provide stable jobs for people

Economic: Selling products that make good money

How is the water crises talked about an example of only focusing on the economic pillar? 

The water crisis focuses only on the economic pillar because companies use water only for their profit and not having water is treated as a financial problem.

What is the tragedy of the commons? 

Tragedy of the commons is a phenomenon that says individuals will use a shared resources in their own self-interest rather than in keeping with the common good, thereby depleting or degrading resources.

How are greenhouse gas emissions an example of the tragedy of the commons?  

Greenhouse gas emissions is an example of tragedy of the commons because for example burning fossil fuels for energy and money in mind. They will damage the environment because of self-interest.

7. What are other examples of the tragedy of the commons? Think about the Town Hall… 

Other examples of tragedy of the commons include water shortages and not being sustainable about it.

Give examples of provisioning services

Provisioning services include basic provisions for example, drinking water, timber, etc.

Give examples of supporting services.  

Services that support all others processes that sustain basic life forms. For example, photosynthesis, evolution, etc.

11. Give examples of cultural services.  

Non-material benefits that humans receive from nature. For example, happiness, creativity, music.

How does the greenhouse effect work? Explain using terms solar radiation, high-albedo, low-albedo, absorbed, reflected, infrared radiation & greenhouse gases. 

Sunlight reaches the Earth UV radiation; some energy is reflected back into space from high albedo surfaces. (snow, ice, sand), Some UV energy is absorbed and re-radiated as heat from low albedo, and most heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases and then radiated in all directions warming the Earth. Heat= infrared

What are the five major greenhouse gases?  

1.) Water Vapor

2.) Carbon dioxide

3.) Nitrous Oxides

4.) Methane

5.) Chlorofluorocarbons

What does Global Warming Potential (GWP) refer to and how do we use it?  

GWP means that greenhouse gases have different potentials for warming the planet over a 100 year-period. Used to compare impact of different gases.

Which greenhouse gas are we most concerned with? Why? 

The greenhouse gas we are most concerned with is Carbon dioxide it is produced a lot and remains in the atmosphere for a long time.

Why are we not as concerned about water vapor as a greenhouse gas?  

It has a short atmospheric time and not human activity

How has water supply been impacted by the climate crisis? How has the frequency and intensity of wildfires been impacted by the climate crisis?

Water supply has been impacted by the climate crisis through droughts, and glaciers melting due to global warming from the climate crisis. The frequency and intensity of wildfires have increased!

What are the pros and cons of wildfires?

Cons: Toxic materials, greenhouse gases, homes damaged, mud slides, etc.

Pros: Open canopy, lower fire rates, controls pest infestations, etc.

What are prescribed burns and how do they help manage wildfires?

Help clear growth that would make a fire burn hotter.

What is selective cutting and how does that practice help manage wildfires? 

Getting rid of some trees, the fuel load is reduced. (cooler fires)

Describe what happens during an El Niño year. How are the following impacted?  

1. Ocean currents 

2. Air circulation/trade winds 

3. Nutrient upwelling 

4. Precipitation 

5. Temperature 

El Nino cause extreme heating around the globe, more flooding in Americas, more drought in Asia. Decline in fisheries around South America, pushes warmth to western pacific. Increased rainfall in South US, decrease precipitation in SE Asia Low trade winds warm weather, nutrients suppressed in Americas.

22. Describe what happens during La Niña year. How are the following impacted?  

1. Ocean currents 

2. Air circulation/trade winds 

3. Nutrient upwelling 

4. Precipitation 

5. Temperature 

Cool phase, ocean currents move to the west, high trade winds moving East. Nutrients water increase in South America. Rains more in Australia, South Asia, droughts in southern US, wet conditions in pacific northwest.

24. What are the main steps of the hydrologic cycle?  

 

evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff